The Merced City School District recently recognized approximately 20 dedicated adults who completed the Community Based English Tutoring (CBET) program.  The goal of the program is to teach English to language minority parents so they can tutor their own children and help propel them toward academic success.

During the “Recognition of Achievement Day,” on May 19^th, several of the participants spoke about their journeys from other countries, the challenges they faced along the way, and their determination to provide better lives for their children.  Many also shared how important it is to them to read, write, speak, and understand English.

The CBET program began in 1999 and has evolved over the past 17 years.  The Merced City School District currently provides three classrooms at the Student and Family Service Center (located at 1180 E Street) for instruction, a computer lab, and babysitting.  The district also provides supplies and personnel, including bilingual aides and community outreach specialists who assist in recruiting, conducting orientation, and providing other technical support.  The CBET instructor is from the Merced Adult School.  Participants turn in tutoring logs at the end of each month to show the work they’ve done with their children.

This program will begin again with new student orientation on August 17^th, and classes will be held Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 2:45 p.m. from August 22^nd until May 18^th.  Lessons include classroom instruction as well as interactive computer programs.  There are also opportunities to learn keyboarding, email, web searching, and Google programs.

Organizers say attendance is critical, which is why babysitting and bus passes are available for students who need them.

For more information about the CBET program, please contact:

• Tzeng Saechao:  209-385-6753, tsaechao@mcsd.k12.ca.us
• Lucas Lopez:  209-385-6752, llopez@mcsd.k12.ca.us
• Fong Her:  209-385-6754, fher@mcsd.k12.ca.us

               Article available in Hmong and Spanish